Exploring cultures and communities – the slow way

'Grey gold' is the term used by Ærø councillor Carl Heide to describe the talented and still-very-active migrants whom he feels can help sustain community life on the Danish island of Ærø. For an island where deaths greatly outnumber births, and where young adults often move away, the challenge of maintaining a viable community is uppermost on the local agenda.

article summary —

The Danish island of Ærø, featured in our article above, faces significant issues in maintaining a healthy demographic balance. Rural depopulation is a major problem, leaving empty houses across the island. The local council actively encourages new residents and even has a programme to support those tempted to move to Ærø for a few months to sample life on the island.


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About the authors

hidden europe

and manage hidden europe, a Berlin-based editorial bureau that supplies text and images to media across Europe. Together they edit hidden europe magazine. Nicky and Susanne are dedicated slow travellers. They delight in discovering the exotic in the everyday.

This article was published in hidden europe 42.